PROFESSIONAL BIO
With a background in psychiatry, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and group retreat facilitation, my work bridges science and spirituality, bringing together Western medicine and traditional healing approaches to support whole-person health, healing, and flourishing.
At The Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, I’ve had the privilege of working as a clinical trial doctor and psychedelic therapist on groundbreaking studies exploring psilocybin-assisted therapy for conditions like anorexia nervosa and fibromyalgia, and DMT for treatment-resistant depression.
Alongside clinical work, I facilitate group retreats and lead experiential training to advance safe and ethical psychedelic therapy. Twice a year I co-host The Reconnection, a women’s psilocybin retreat programme that weaves together embodiment practices, somatic therapy, trauma release (TRE), ritual, ceremony, and nature connection. I am increasingly passionate about the group model due to the depth of relational healing and transformation that so often occurs within a supportive group and an ongoing community of care.
My personal journey with stage IV cancer highlighted the need for a more holistic, integrative model of healthcare - one that truly honours the full spectrum of human experience: body, mind, heart, and soul. This led me to co-found Essence Medicine, an organisation offering psycho-spiritual support to individuals navigating life-threatening illness. At Essence Medicine, we advocate for the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a compassionate response to existential anxiety and distress, and a path toward peace and acceptance.
With a background in psychology and medicine, I have also trained in a range of holistic modalities - yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), nutritional medicine, compassionate inquiry, and the MAPS MDMA-assisted therapy training. My work is further informed by Earth-based wisdom traditions, deepened through shamanic facilitator training, and an ongoing commitment to learning and embracing diverse ways of knowing. I am grateful to have learned from Indigenous Healers, Elders, and World Wisdom Teachers across cultures, expanding my understanding of healing as a bridge between spirit and the human experience.
CORE PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
Mind-Body-Heart-Spirit Connection - My work is based on the understanding that the mind, body, emotions, and spirit are interconnected. Stress and emotional tension can manifest as illness, while healing trauma held in the body can help restore balance in the nervous system and psyche.
Trauma-Informed Healing - Trauma is often at the root of many physical and emotional issues. While traditional talk therapy can be helpful in understanding and processing these experiences, it frequently falls short in addressing the full complexity of trauma, particularly the way it is stored in the body. “Trauma-Informed” means that I understand the ways that major and minor traumas (overwhelming incidents in one’s life) take a toll on the psyche and body, and I help people to process and integrate these experiences so that they can live with greater freedom and flexibility.
Innate Healing Wisdom - Each of us holds an innate capacity for healing. By connecting with our inner healing intelligence, we move from survival to thriving, reconnecting with our wholeness and integrating the wisdom of mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Growth Through Adversity - Illness and life’s challenges can serve as catalysts for growth. Through these experiences, we gain new perspectives, deepening self-awareness, compassion, and the capacity to heal. Adversity becomes an opportunity for transformation and alignment with our true selves.
Community and Connection - Healing can be enhanced by connection and support. We thrive when we heal together, sharing our journeys and supporting one another, making community a key aspect of long-term healing and transformation.
Purpose and Meaning - Well-being increases when we live with purpose. Gratitude, service, and meaning are powerful catalysts for well-being. Exploring these can reveal deeper fulfillment and align us with our highest potential.
Nature as Medicine - We are a part of nature, and our well-being is intimately tied to the health of the Earth. Healing comes from restoring balance within ourselves and in our relationship with the environment. By spending time in nature we attune to the rhythms of the natural world and find balance within ourselves.
Human Potential - Within each of us lies the potential for growth, love, and awareness. These qualities are always present, even when they feel distant. With patience, compassion and curiosity, it is possible to move towards healing, self-awareness, transformation and resilience.